EXCLUSIVE: Corrie's Kev will write off £200k legal bill

MOVING ON: Michael wants to get on with his life and put the trial behind him [WENN]

The £250,000-a-year star, who plays Kevin Webster, has told pals he does “not have the stomach” for another legal fight.

Last night a source said: “Michael isn’t pursuing the money because he doesn’t want to get embroiled in yet another legal battle.

“It is a hell of a lot but he regards it as money well spent as it ensured that he is now a free man.

“He just wants to get on with his life and concentrate on his role in Corrie. After he was cleared he told his supporters he would fight for the cash but now he has decided to let the matter slide.”

“After he was cleared he told his supporters he would fight for the cash but now he has decided to let the matter slide”

Anonymous source

Michael, 49, was first arrested on suspicion of child sex offences, including rape, in September 2011.

He was later told there was no case to answer, only to be rearrested in February last year and charged with a string of sex crimes against a schoolgirl.

Michael, now back at work following a stint in rehab for drink and drug problems, went on trial at Manchester Crown Court in September last year.

Eight days later he was acquitted of 12 counts of sex abuse including five of rape.

He had hired top lawyer Richard Gowthorpe and had Alisdair Williamson QC as his defence barrister.

The star fell victim to changes in Ministry of Justice rules made in 2011 which removed the right of defendants to have the costs of hiring a lawyer automatically reimbursed if they are found not guilty.